Whether you need information for a school project, want to know how to answer some trivia questions, or you are just a “fish nerd” like the rest of us, please enjoy these fish facts below!
Fathead Minnows
- While the most common color is black, there is a color variant of Fathead Minnows called “Rosy Reds” that you can typically find in pet stores. They are the exact same species–just a different color!
- When threatened, Fathead Minnows release a pheromone called “Schrekstoff’s substance” that warns other nearby minnows of danger.
Golden Shiners
- Shiners are the only North American member of their subfamily–all the rest of the members are found in Eurasia.
- If stocked in a pond with no predators or gamefish, these small minnows can grow up to 10” long!
Coppernose Bluegill
- A subspecies of bluegill, Coppernose Bluegill are native to Florida and are extremely heat tolerant compared to other species.
- Spawning male Coppernose Bluegill develop a copper “band” that runs across the front portion of their head, hence their name.
Redear Sunfish
- Given the nickname “Shellcrackers”, Redear Sunfish primarily feed on snails, clams, and mussels. Since snails are the intermediate host for a variety of fish parasites, stocking Redear Sunfish can help mitigate parasite infections in your fish.
- Redear Sunfish can crossbreed with bluegill species, resulting in hybrid strains.
Hybrid Perch
- “Hybrid Perch” are a cross between a Bluegill and a Green Sunfish. They are adamantly aggressive, and are a perfect gamefish option for ponds fished by young anglers due to their fight and quick bite.
- The Hybrid Perch cross typically results in over 90% male offspring, so reproduction is extremely minimal.
F-1 Largemouth Bass
- A cross between a Northern strain Largemouth and a Florida strain Largemouth, F-1 Bass harbor the best traits from their parent species–exceptional growth rates and size capacity from the Florida influence and temperature tolerance from the Northern influence.
- With a big size, comes a big appetite. A single F-1 Largemouth Bass needs to eat 10 pounds of forage fish to gain 1 pound, so regular bait stocking is absolutely crucial for this species!
Hybrid Catfish
- A species with our very own Henneke Fish Hatchery influence, the Hybrid Catfish is a cross between a Blue Cat and a Channel Cat. They grow a whopping 30% faster than both their parent species, and fingerlings can reach the 5 pound mark the first year they are stocked!
- Hybrid Cats are ultra-aggressive and tend to swim higher in the water column than other catfish species. They have been known to hit topwater lures, and large adults can even consume small birds and waterfowl (something to consider before you go dove hunt above a pond stocked with these guys!)
Hybrid Striped Bass
- A true hybrid species, Hybrid Striped Bass are a cross between a White Bass and a Striped Bass and do not reproduce.
- With proper management, Hybrid Stripers can reach the 20 pound mark and make for an awesome gamefish option for smaller ponds due to no reproduction.
Black Crappie
- Spawning up to 50 times a season, Black Crappie are extremely prolific and are only recommended in lakes that are 4+ acres due to their need for intensive management.
- Black Crappie have superior vision compared to other fish, and as a result, are very much considered sight predators. Brightly colored lures or jigs are always a good option when fishing!
Hybrid Crappie
- The non-reproducing counterpart to Black Crappie, Hybrid Crappie are a hybrid cross between a Black and a White Crappie, and are able to be stocked in smaller ponds due to their little to no reproduction.
- Hybrid Crappie exhibit what is called “hybrid vigor”, meaning that they harbor the best traits of their parent species. This makes them grow faster and larger than other species of Crappie.
Red Drum
- Since Red Drum thrive in brackish waters, they can be gradually converted down to tolerate 0 ppt salinity waters and thus offer pond owners a unique fishing experience!
- Red Drum eggs need to float to be viable, and they will not do so in freshwater. So, they will not reproduce in freshwater ponds or lakes.
Mozambique Tilapia
- Tilapia are generally stocked for control of algae/vegetation and bass forage as they reproduce every 28 days.
- An African species, tilapia will not survive most winters and start to die off when water temperatures drop below 56F. They need to be restocked every spring.
Triploid Grass Carp
- Triploid Grass Carp are a genetically sterile fish that are stocked specifically for vegetation control of a variety of invasive aquatic plants.
- In order to purchase Triploid Grass Carp in the state of Texas, you must apply for a permit through the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (don’t worry–the link to the application is found on our website under “Exotics”!)
Green Sunfish
- A fish with many names, Green Sunfish are commonly called Slicks, Goggleye, or Bait Perch. They are most commonly used as fishing bait.
- Green Sunfish sport a larger mouth than other perch, and thus tend to compete with other gamefish for food sources in ponds.
Goldfish
- Goldfish are another species that are commonly used as fishing bait for trotlines in Texas.
- Several scientific studies found that goldfish have a longer memory than other species, and can “remember” routines for a few months at a time.
Author: Jordan Moore